Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Driving Safety Tips for Women

I saw this on AOL and I am so guilty of checking my emails and texts at red lights. It is not a good idea and you can really make yourself a target while driving. In addition to these tips below, I am also realizing that I leave way too much stuff in my car. One of my friends had her car stolen from her driveway yesterday and her whole life was in the car. All day she kept remembering things she had left in it and the entire experience has been horribly stressful. So, don't check your texts at the lights and don't leave stuff in your car!!!

IntroductionAll motorists need to be careful on the highway, but female drivers of all ages, unfortunately, have to be doubly vigilant to avoid becoming victims of crimes while driving, including carjacking, sexual assault, robbery and worse. The following are some tips to help keep women safe while getting from here to there.

Got a beef with a roadhog? Let it be."For road ragers, don't engage," says NYC cabbie Mellisa Plaut, author of "Hack", an account of her driving adventures. "Don't even look at someone who's trying to get your attention in an angry way. Just drive on, or turn. The worst thing you can do is get into a fight. It never leads to anything good. Don't get your ego involved."

Pay attentionKeep your sound system at a reasonable volume when driving in cities and neighborhoods, and don't space out or check your text messages at every stoplight. Carjackers and robbers rely on the element of surprise, so if you're keeping eyes and ears alert to what's going on outside your vehicle, bad guys don't have a chance to sneak up on you.

Secure your vehicle as you would your homeYou wouldn't leave your front door unlocked and your windows open at home, so get in the habit of securing your car the same way. Keep doors locked when you're driving, and windows raised. If anyone approaches your window asking for directions or money in slow or stopped traffic, take a quick glance around your vehicle to make sure you're not being distracted by one half of a team. Crack the window an inch or two instead of opening it all the way if you decide to speak to a stranger.

Be vigilant in parking lotsWhen shopping, put your money away at the cash register, walk with purpose to your car and don't accept "help" from strangers. Have your keys out and be ready to open your vehicle and secure packages, get in the car, close and lock the door and drive away. "Don't approach your vehicle if a van or other large vehicle that wasn't there before is parked next to it," says Road and Travel's Jessica Howell. "Find a security guard to walk you to your car. If a security guard isn't available, look for a nearby couple and ask for an escort. Most people will be happy to lend a moment and ensure your safety."

Don't assume an unmarked vehicle with a flashing light is a police officer.If the car attempting to pull you over doesn't look like an official vehicle, keep driving, turn your inside light on and pull over only in a well-lit, populated area. Do not get out of your car, and angle the vehicle so you can drive away quickly if need be. Crack the window, ask to see the officer's ID and pay close attention to his clothes---are they worn? Do they match? If not, put up your window, drive away and call 911.

Me and Millie by Paige Smith

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About Me

This blog is filled with the day to day shenanigans of a native Miami jewelry designer who enjoys traveling, reading and hanging out with friends. Spending summers in Newport, Rhode Island for the last few years has changed my life..it is the most beautiful place...Miami isn't too bad either. Read about my adventures all year long...